Hundreds of eco-activists barricaded bridges, blocked traffic and caused travel chaos during 'a day of rebellion' on the streets of London today in order to force the government to impose radical new laws on climate change.

Five bridges across the Thames - Southwark, Blackfriars, Waterloo, Westminster and Lambeth bridges - were blocked off during the day of havoc, and police claimed more than 70 people were arrested at the protests organised by Extinction Rebellion (ER).

Teachers - Servants - Psychologists - Protesters - ER

Music teachers, civil servants and retired psychologists were among the protesters who had been trained by ER to get themselves arrested while inflicting damage across the capital.

Metropolitan Police said emergency vehicles were hampered from getting across London because of the 'blockade' of five bridges. The force said it had asked all protesters to congregate at Westminster Bridge where officers can facilitate lawful protest.

Jo - Khimba - Part - Protest - Crowds

Jo Khimba, who was taking part in the protest, told crowds gathered on Westminster Bridge: 'We've got to care for each other, and for god's sake, we've got to care for the world.'

Two women - who did not want to be named - attended the protest dressed as bumble bees.

Press - Association - 'I - Concern - Children

They told the Press Association: 'I have concern for my children and grandchildren. I truthfully believe we're all heading for extinction.

'Climate change is so important, it's coming over so fast and nothing is being done.'

Protesters - Government - Programmes - Carbon - Emissions

Like other protesters, they also called on the government to halt fracking programmes and 'work hard to reduce carbon emissions to zero long before 2050,' which is the current goal.

Organisers of the protests believe at least 50 people have been arrested over the last week.

Total - People - Monday - Protesters - Traffic

A total of 22 people were arrested on Monday after protesters blocked traffic and glued themselves to entry gates at the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.